Last season as a freshman, Rushel Shell showed signs of being the go-to back Pitt hoped he would be when they signed him out of Hopewell High School in Aliquippa, Pa.

He may eventually be that go-to back, but it won’t be this season and it won’t be with the Panthers.

The university announced Tuesday that Shell will transfer.

He rushed for 641 yards last season—second on the team—and scored four touchdowns while averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He was the frontrunner to be Pitt’s starting back this season.

“Rushel and I met on Tuesday morning and he informed me of his final decision to transfer,” Pitt coach Paul Chryst said in a statement. “I wish him only the best moving forward. Out of respect for Rushel, his family and his privacy, this will be my final comment on the matter.”

Ray Graham led the team last year with 1,042 rushing yards and 11 scores, but graduated. With Shell gone, Isaac Bennett is the team’s top returning rusher. The junior ran for 141 yards and three touchdowns last season. Also in the mix will be sophomore Malcolm Crockett (50 yards, 0 TDs).